SAN FRANCISCO – Veteran Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet delivered a clear and powerful message to his teammates in anticipation of their crucial Game 7. “Stay focused. One more. We ain’t did s— yet. One more,” VanVleet expressed to Andscape after leading his team with a game-high 29 points and contributing eight assists in the Rockets’ 115-107 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6. This win has leveled the best-of-seven series at 3-3, setting the stage for a decisive showdown.
The second-seeded Rockets will face off against the seventh-seeded Warriors in a decisive Game 7 tonight in Houston. The winner of this highly anticipated matchup will advance to play the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs. As the stakes rise, the experience of players like VanVleet will be crucial for the young Rockets squad.
According to ESPN Stats and Info, the Warriors' stars, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, have participated in five Game 7s, while teammate Jimmy Butler has seen action in four. In contrast, VanVleet has played in just two Game 7s, while the rest of the Rockets' starting lineup will be experiencing this pressure for the first time. With an average age of 26, the Rockets are counting on VanVleet's leadership to guide them through this pivotal moment.
Rockets All-Star center Alperen Sengun praised VanVleet's influence, stating, “He’s leading us on the court, off the court, and we’ve been letting him do that.” VanVleet's leadership has been instrumental, especially since he was sidelined earlier this season. “Even when he wasn’t playing, he was still leading us… he came back, leading us all the time,” Sengun added.
Following the Game 6 victory, VanVleet participated in a Q&A session where he shared insights on leadership and the keys to success in Game 7. When asked about his influences in becoming a leader, he credited a combination of his father, stepfather, and high school coach, Bryant Ott. “I always was naturally a leader of my friends and my teams,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of adapting one’s leadership style to different personalities.
Reflecting on his time with the Toronto Raptors, where he won an NBA championship in 2019, VanVleet identified Kyle Lowry as a significant leadership figure. “I try to take as much good as I can and leave the bad,” he noted, acknowledging the lessons learned from both Lowry and Raptors vice chairman Masai Ujiri.
When discussing his younger teammates, VanVleet expressed confidence in their ability to absorb his messages, stating, “They were receptive, they were ready for it.” He described their enthusiasm as they strive to rise to the occasion, highlighting their talent and potential.
As the Rockets gear up for Game 7, VanVleet underscored the importance of focusing on the details and executing the game plan. “We play fast, we play aggressive, and you just go out there and leave it all on the line,” he advised. The atmosphere at the Toyota Center is expected to be electric, and VanVleet believes his teammates will be ready for the challenge.
VanVleet has stepped up his game significantly, scoring over 25 points in three consecutive playoff games after averaging just 11.3 points in the first three. He attributes this improvement to being more aggressive and finding his rhythm. “Just being more aggressive, reading how they are guarding me,” he explained.
Regarding his decision to sign with the Rockets in 2023, VanVleet expressed satisfaction with the team's chemistry and the timing of his arrival. “It’s a match made in heaven,” he said, emphasizing the synergy he feels with the team. As they prepare for this crucial playoff moment, VanVleet's experience and leadership will be vital in guiding the Rockets toward success.
As the Rockets face the Warriors in this decisive Game 7, all eyes will be on VanVleet and his ability to lead a young team through the pressures of playoff basketball.
